Happy New Year | 2017

HAPPY NEW YEAR DOLLS!

I'm very excited about 2017! This past year has definitely been a year of changes, growth, adjusting, checking and readjusting. I'm very thankful for my many adventures, accomplishments and even the mistakes.

& Of course It wouldn't be a New Year post if I didn't mention my 2017 goals are

Getting in the best shape of my life while 

Meditating daily which will hopefully encourage me to focus on things that really matter and 

SAVE like my life depends on it, so I can 

Invest in my dreams and future like never before...all while

Being madly in love.

Thank you guys so much for continuously reading and being a part of my life for these past few years. 

Cheers,

Courtney

Checking In...

HEY Y'ALL! Just checking in to say "hello"! I've been extremely busy with birthday festivities, travel, work and all the craziness of life in general. I've been doing quite a bit of Fall shopping and I have a ton a post ideas so stay tuned in the next week or so for Fall fashion and beauty posts and maybe even a video! 

 Shorts-Zara

Body Suit-Zara

Sweater-H&M

Sandals-Aldo

vegas, missed flights, orlando & more...

Hey Loves! It feels like every time I post I’m returning from a hiatus and that’s probably because that’s the case.:-/ As always, life got in the way, but I thought it was only right to give you an update of where I’ve been & what I've been up to.

I surprised my fiancé with a birthday trip to Vegas (we went early April). It was my first time in VEGAS and it was definitely an adventure. Everyone should definitely go to Vegas at least once! So let’s get into the trip…

In true Courtney fashion I missed my flight, due to shopping (WHO DOES THAT)!? After that fiasco we finally made it to Vegas, checked in and the sleepless fun began!

We stayed at the MGM Grand Hotel & Casino and I loved it. The room was modern, the hotel was huge and the casino was my favorite of all the other ones I visited while in Vegas. I won money, lost money, ate…a lot, shopped a little, drunk some, explored a ton and had an amazing time. I probably slept a total of 16 hours in 4 days.

A few weeks later I was off to Orlando for a family vacation. It was a nice little getaway. I explored Orlando, danced all night in a Jamaican club, spent all day at the pool and of course...I ATE! My favorite part of the trip was a cute little brunch cruise. The ship sailed on St. John's River and the view was absolutely amazing!

& then it was back to normal life...

Happy New Year | 2016

Happy New Year! We're nearly a week into the new year and I'm extremely excited for the beauty that will be 2016. I spent a large portion of 2015 impatiently waiting for things to happen, towards the end of last year I decided to create the life I want. I'm a firm believer in changing your mind and your life will follow.

Instead of focusing on the things that could or should be better,  I've been focusing on the thoughts and actions it takes to create those things.  It's not enough to want something or feel like you deserve something simply because you are you or you're a great person. There is an abundance of people in the world living complacent lives and feeling as if they want or deserve more. I decided I no longer want to be one of those people. I've opened my heart and mind to all the abundance that life has to offer.

My first step was job hunting like a mad women and not being afraid to ask for the pay and flexibility I wanted and deserve. Well now that that's checked off my list, on to my other major goals...

• Continuing to eat clean and becoming fully Pescatarian (Right now I'm Pescatarian + Turkey:)
• Decorating every space I occupy on a regular basis to be welcoming and relaxing - feng shui
• Cleaning every night and before I leave my house so my home welcomes me back
• Exercising at least 3 times a week, to start...this one will be tough for me at first
• Saving - I have to get my shopping under control and depend less on the thrill of shopping, my goal is to always save more than I spend even with bills calculated in the money spent
• My blog will be a major focus this year because writing has always been a major passion and this will be my investment in myself 
• I'm in the process of deciding the next step in my education - Master's or Certificates in my career field
• Most importantly mental health - this year I will breath, smile, cry, meditate, laugh, dance, sing, relax, and repeat

I look forward to this journey with you all and as always thank you for coming along.

XoXo,

Courtney

it's been a while...

Hey Y'all! I know...I know...It's been a while! Over the past few months there has been many changes in my life. I got a new job and shortly after moved into a new place. With all the much needed changes came a lot of adjusting, tons of unpacking and organizing, which that I'm still in the process of working through.

I came back to hundreds of views and that's motivated me to turn it up a notch with the content and the frequency of my posts.

I want to commit to a posting schedule, I'll start with every Sunday and then move into twice a week...Even though I'm writing this Wednesday night and scheduling it to post tomorrow...Thursday :-/ LOL

Thank you all from the bottom of my heart for continuing to be a part of my journey.

XoXo,
Courtney

Green Smoothies | 5 Benefits

As always I'm on a journey, this time a journey to health. I have been trying several combinations to make the perfect green smoothie. This time I think I've perfected it!

Why green smoothies?! They can be a substitute for breakfast or for lunch, they are filling and loaded with nutrients.
5 Benefits of Green Smoothies:

• Low calorie
• Pure nutrition
• Weight loss
• Energy
• Clarity

Ingredients: Kale, Spinach, Strawberries, Lemon Juice, Blue Berries, Bananas, Coconut Water, Greek Yogurt(Strawberry) & Ice Cubes

Try my recipe above & tell me your favorite smoothie recipe! 

XoXo

Courtney

good health, good life

Recently, I picked up the book Good Health, Good Life by Joyce Meyer and I am really enjoying it. This book is filled with tips to help change unhealthy routines and improve physically as well as spiritually and mentally.

I'll do an overall review when I've finished reading the book, but so far I'd highly recommend it and you can't really lose with this book costing less than $10.

I know sometimes I've had the thought that most self help books are the same, but I've learned you don't have to take away or use every tip, but if you learn one new thing or are inspired in a positive way it's worth it.

Let me know what you're currently reading or would suggest I read next.

Myrtle Beach | Much Needed Getaway

Myrtle Beach is a staple place in my childhood summer memories. It's always great to go back to the same beach I played on as a child and reflect, relax and just have fun.

I can't wait to go back, it always seems like vacation days fly by. Where's your favorite place to vacation?

Minimalism?

For the past few months I have been attempting to live a minimalist lifestyle. I've started with the most challenging part of my life...shopping. I was shopping far too much and buying too many pieces that weren't classic, were over priced and are now forgotten. I realized I have a closet full of clothes with tags that I will probably never wear.

As with anything the first step is realizing the problem. I am getting to point in my life where I really have to prioritize how and where I spend my money. I am buying more classic pieces and investing in clothing that will last. I do on occasion buy something that pops out at me that I know is simply trendy, but that is no longer my common practice.

I've been seeking functional items I know I'll always love and I can get a lot of wear out of. I love black, blazers, and button ups, which is pretty practical since I work in Corporate environment. 

Next up...

I'll be giving away clothes and shoes and reorganizing my closets.

XoXo,

Courtney

Finding my center.

As work and life keeps me busy and my mind constantly racing, it becomes increasingly important for me to find ways to center myself and quiet my thoughts. Meditation is proving to be one of the best ways for me. Here are some of my meditation tips and routines:

• Pick a time and try to meditate at that time everyday to build a routine.
• Find a quiet place where you can be undisturbed and comfortable.
• Don't expect too much from yourself, start small 5-10 minutes, then build from there.
• Research different techniques, methods and benefits.
• You can meditate anywhere anytime, so if you get stressed at work go sit in your car and use a few minutes to calm yourself.
• Breath. Focus on your breathing.
• Try your hardest to clear your mind and think of nothing, just be.
• A friend suggested music, I haven't tried this yet, but I'll let you all know how I like it. 

-

XoXo

Courtney

Food Adventures | Twist

I decided to go on another food adventure (when I eat somewhere that's not one of my routine favorite spots). One of the things I love about Atlanta is the variety of restaurants!

We went to Twist in Phipps Plaza and the food was different and yummy. We ate outside, which I love to do, it was a great experience.

 I had crab cakes and Twist macaroni and cheese. I loved the crab cakes, the macaroni and cheese...not so much.

Babe had duck breast and of course I ate his food and mine! I can't wait to go back and try some of the other dishes they have.

Rating:8.5

From A Wildflower | in limbo.

Check out my latest contribution http://fromawildflower.com/2014/03/20/in-limbo/

No Soda Challenge

For the past few years I’ve been doing “No Soda Challenges”. I realize how unhealthy my addiction is and I’m trying to stop. I don’t know if I’ll ever stop drinking soda for good, but I’ve gone eight months no soda, so I know I can conquer my demons.  Soda is my biggest guilty pleasure. Coca cola is my all-time favorite and I literally can’t get enough of it.

Usually I convince my boyfriend and his mom to join me so I won’t feel alone and so tempted. My boyfriend’s mom is just as addicted as me so it’s fun to see who can hold out the longest and to have our little check-ins/support group.

This time not only will I be cutting out soda I’m going to drink a lot more water, this won’t be too hard because I’m an extremist. If I’m not drinking soda I’m usually drinking water,  I don’t really like juice.

This time my challenge started at the end of February I was two weeks soda free, then this weekend I couldn't fight the urge and relapsed. SO, let’s try this again. I’m attempting to go March 10^th  to October 10^th (my birthday), NO SODA!

I’d love for you guys to join me. 

Good Luck! :)

Fun Facts:

• Soda causes dehydration. 
• The acid in soda weakens the enamel on your teeth.
• Soda is loaded with calories and cutting it out of your diet may get you closer, quicker to your summer body goals!
• Drinking lots of water improves your skin’s tone and texture.
• Drinking water makes you happier! Research shows dehydration can cause a change in mood, staying hydrated remedies this and helps you think clearer

Red Wine | Antioxidants

It's been pretty cold out here in Atlanta. Especially today, A SNOW DAY! I find myself staying in during the winter months, a hibernation of sorts.

There's nothing like Netflix, some cozy pjs, a oversized hoodie and of course WINE.  Since, moving into my new place and getting fancy new wine glasses I've been trying out a lot of different wines.

So far my favorite is Red Moscato with Sweet Red Wine being a close second. I like to think not only is it delish, it's also healthy, you know the antioxidants! :-P

What are some of your favorites? I'm going to go out of my red comfort zone and try some other wines. I'd love suggestions.

Leave a comment below or go to my contact page and there you'll find all my social media links.

Stay cozy, until next time.

From a Wildflower.

Currently: Working
Project: From a Wildflower
Emotion: Excited as HECK :)

Site launch 1.1.14 fromawildflower.com

November News.

It's November & I've been in Atlanta almost two months now. Nothing too exciting has happened still figuring things out, organizing and unpacking. It's a process! 

So far so good. I feel very inspired here like the sky is truly the limit. Theres so much I want to do
and seeing the buildings lit up at night gives me that drive to go a little harder and dream a little bigger.         

So, I have a few goals. I decided to start small and each month make them a little more difficult. Here's a few things I want to do before November ends. 

• Work out at least twice a week.
• Eat healthier.
• Buy a book that interest me and read a bit of it each day.
• Create a vision board complete with all my dreams and long term goals. I will update this vision board as I go and look at it for inspiration.
• Lastly, I want to post here on my blog at least once a week hopefully more. Sometimes it'll be just whats on my mind other times it'll be fashion and beauty or something that is inspiring me at the moment.

I'll keep you guys posted on my first set of goals as the month goes on.

XoXo.

New Adventures.

I'm so excited to be moving to Atlanta! It's been a dream of mine to live here since I was about 15 years old. It feels good to accomplish something that once upon a time seemed far fetched or in the distant future.

I'm ready to make new memories, meet wonderful people and start the next chapter in my life...

Meet Lola :)

My 2 year old Maltipoo baby. I get so offended when people call her a "dog", she's much more that that to me. She REALLY thinks she's a baby. She whines, demands to be held and constantly needs my love and attention. Her little personality brings me so much joy and a lot of headaches as well. So yeah...Meet Lola baby :)

SUMMER! SUMMER! SUMMER TIME!

SUMMER FAvorites

The summer is not quite over yet & depending on where you live it may feel like summer for a while after the seasons change. Below are some of the things I can't live without this summer and I'll likely use moving into the fall.

This Evian facial mist cools you down in the blistering heat and also gives your makeup a dewy fresh look.

I am in love with the summer scent of the Bath & Body Works Candles. The are relaxing, smell amazing and illuminate and entire room !

I am a magazine fanatic. Right now I'd have to say Vogue is my favorite for inspiration as I revamp my summer wardrobe.

Lip balm is a must this summer. I must admit EOS sold me on the cute little packaging. However, the product is just as great, they smell amazing and give your lips long lasting moisture.

MAC Mineralized Skin Finish has been amazing this summer. I love the bronze look it gives my skin and the way it gives my skin a even glow.

Last but not least a drink favorite! STARBUCKS FRAPPUCHINO! Since I am a food fanatic I think this is my favorite ...favorite! :) Refreshing, yummy & so many choices!

Now it's your turn, share your favorites with me! I love to try new things.